Dinner with Mr Collins

A.N: What if Lizzy and Jane had already been married during the time of Mr Collins' visit. Mr Collins has another patroness than Lady Catherine. She is called Lady Wandsworth.

Lizzy and Jane have been married for two years to Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy. They have met them while in London visiting the Gardiners. Lizzy have of course warned Mr Darcy of her mother and younger' s sisters behaviour and has given him the opportunity to withdraw his application for her hand. Darcy has thanked her to concern herself with this but assured her that he really wanted her to be his wife. The two sisters had a double wedding in Meryton church during February 1811.

A year after their marriage, Jane has given birth to a boy named William Charles and three months later, Lizzy has given birth to twins a boy Frederick Charles William and a girl Amelia Jane. It was a difficult birth. Lizzy nearly died because the birth has created a tear in her uterus which caused an important loss of blood. Darcy was so worried and even the doctor was pessimistic. But fortunately, Lizzy's robust constitution reawakened and she healed quickly.

Darcy and Lizzy waited a while before resuming their marital relations. Lizzy desired to visit her former home to see her father so he could meet her children. Darcy agreed at the condition that their journey was the smoothest both for the new mother and for the twins. Jane and Bingley agreed to come as well.

One night, Mr Bennet announced that he was expecting a visitor. He enjoyed the various enquiries to the identity of this man. He finally revealed that this visitor was Mr Collins and heard with a ironic smile his wife expressions of displeasure. He started to read the letter sent to him. He saw Lizzy, Mr Darcy and Jane appreciate the humor. His second daughter shared a knowing look with her husband.

A few days later, Mr Collins arrived. Lizzy asked him if he could be a sensible man. Mr Bennet denied this hoping to meet another ridiculous character in order to have some fun at his expense.

Introductions were made and Mr Collins confirmed within minutes his character by constant foolish utterances regarding the house and his married cousins' babies. He however noticed that Mary seemed to like her cousin.

During dinner, Mr Bennet introduced the subject of Mr Collins' patroness living in Essex, Lady Wandsworth. As soon as the name was introduced, Mr Collins began a panegyric about her ladyship adding addressing Mr Darcy: "I believe her ladyship is your aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh's particular friend, Mr Darcy. From what her ladyship has told me, I understand she is a really gracious lady."

Mr Darcy simply replied: "Thank you Mr Collins." But added under his breath "I would not call her gracious." Lizzy and him again shared a knowing look.

"It is fortunate for you Mr Collins that you possess such an amazing talent for flattering with delicacy. May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment or are they the result of previous study?"

Mr Bennet enjoyed the various reactions around the table. Mrs Bennet, Kitty, Lydia, and above all Mr Collins were oblivious that his query was ironic. On the other hand, he saw Jane and Bingley smile in amusement. Lizzy and her husband were the most diverted. Lizzy was holding her napkin in front of her mouth and biting her lower lip to keep from laughing. Darcy was engaging in the same struggle staring at his plate, taking several deep breaths to calm himself and attempting to assume a serious expression but his upturned lips betrayed him. Mary had understood that their father was ironic and looked censorious.

A few days later, Mr Collins has asked for Mary's hand and she has accepted him. Both her eldest sisters and Mr Bennet tried to talk her out of it. But Mary denied them saying to her father: "I understand Mr Collins' faults but I truly believe that I can be happy with him. He is not vicious and has some room for improvement. I know that you and my sisters want me to marry for love but as I said to them, I am happy with my situation. Please trust me papa, I can make this work."

"Well Mary, if you are certain, I will grant you my consent."

When she saw Lizzy about to protest Mary added: "Please Lizzy, I know you are worried and I love you for it. But please trust me on this."

"I love you too Mary. If you are truly convinced then, I agree. I wish you joy, Mary."

"Thank you, Lizzy." And Mary hugged her sister tightly.

Later that night, Lizzy said to her husband: "I know she is convinced that she is going to make this marriage successful but I wish for her a husband worthy of her and someone that she could love totally like Jane and myself."

"I know Lizzy but Mary is different from you. She wants something else. And I truly believe she can be happy." Replied Darcy.

"It's just that I am so happy. I wish everyone was as happy as I am."

Darcy kissed her passionately and soon they were engaged in hungry lovemaking.

The Bingleys and the Darcys were able to see the improvement that Mary brought in her intended during the engagement. His intelligence will never be high but he was able to utter to some gracious comments and to be welcome participant in a light conversation.